experience
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experience
A special, often emotional event or experience that one has had and that leaves a strong impression.
Die Reise durch die Alpen war ein unvergessliches Erlebnis.
The trip through the Alps was an unforgettable experience.
The noun 'Erlebnis' (experience) is derived from the verb 'erleben' (to experience). An Erlebnis is therefore a single event that one has experienced. The ending '-nis' is often used to form nouns from verbs.
Was wir im Urlaub erlebt haben, war ein echtes Abenteuer.
What we experienced on vacation was a real adventure.
'Erlebnis' (experience) is very often combined with adjectives that describe the emotional impression. Typical examples are 'ein unvergessliches' (an unforgettable), 'ein einmaliges' (a unique), 'ein schönes' (a beautiful/nice), or also 'ein schreckliches' (a terrible) Erlebnis.
Die Wanderung bei Sonnenaufgang war ein einmaliges Erlebnis.
The hike at sunrise was a unique experience.
Common verbs used with 'Erlebnis' (experience) are 'ein Erlebnis haben' (to have an experience), 'von einem Erlebnis berichten' (to report/tell about an experience), or 'ein Erlebnis verarbeiten' (to process an experience).
Im Urlaub hatten wir viele tolle Erlebnisse.
On vacation, we had many great experiences.
experience
'Erfahrung' and 'Erlebnis' can both mean something you have personally experienced. However, 'Erlebnis' usually sounds more special and often more emotional: it was beautiful, exciting, new, or intense. 'Erfahrung' is more neutral and can be positive, negative, or simply instructive. A bad 'Erfahrung' does not have to be an 'Erlebnis', and a great 'Erlebnis' often remains in your memory as an 'Erfahrung'. Learners can easily confuse the words because both are personal. If the impression or feeling is the main focus, 'Erlebnis' fits better. If it is about what was learned or lived through, 'Erfahrung' is more natural.
Der Ausflug in die Berge war für die Kinder ein echtes Erlebnis.
The trip to the mountains was a real experience for the children.
Die erste Woche im neuen Job war eine anstrengende, aber gute Erfahrung.
The first week in the new job was a tiring but good experience.